Adopting a 3rd dog

[Anonymous]

Does anyone here have three dogs? Is it absolutely insane or manageable? We currently have two and are fostering a sweet girl who would fit great into our family…but I just can’t get over thinking three dogs is too many. I don’t find two to be overwhelming.

Please chime in if you’ve had two vs. three! I know the obvious: more poop, more expensive for food annd vet bills, traveling will be a pain etc.

[Anonymous]

Me. My boyfriend decided to adopt one because the 2 he had were/are older. He wanted to prepare for their passing. Well it's been 2 years, and it's... chaotic. It's overall fine, but the younger one that he adopted is definitely a handful, and life would be easier/calmer without him.

[Anonymous]

We have 3. I got #3 because I thought #1 was about to go (she was 16!) but she's now trucking along at 17.

It's definitely more than 2. I cannot walk 3 alone, 2 is cake. 3 crates don't fit in my car for trips unless I fold the back seat down, which isn't doable with kids so we rent a mini van. I can't take all 3 to the vet at once, so it's multiple appointments. I love the puppy and got her for a specific purpose that she is fulfilling well, but it's definitely a lot more chaos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have 3. I got #3 because I thought #1 was about to go (she was 16!) but she's now trucking along at 17.

It's definitely more than 2. I cannot walk 3 alone, 2 is cake. 3 crates don't fit in my car for trips unless I fold the back seat down, which isn't doable with kids so we rent a mini van. I can't take all 3 to the vet at once, so it's multiple appointments. I love the puppy and got her for a specific purpose that she is fulfilling well, but it's definitely a lot more chaos.

Oh, and if there is ANY chance you will rent in the future, don't do it. It is nearly impossible to find a rental that allows 3+ dogs. We own, but were playing with the idea of selling and renting for a couple months while we look for a new place, and it's just off the table unless I want to board them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have 3. I got #3 because I thought #1 was about to go (she was 16!) but she's now trucking along at 17.

It's definitely more than 2. I cannot walk 3 alone, 2 is cake. 3 crates don't fit in my car for trips unless I fold the back seat down, which isn't doable with kids so we rent a mini van. I can't take all 3 to the vet at once, so it's multiple appointments. I love the puppy and got her for a specific purpose that she is fulfilling well, but it's definitely a lot more chaos.

Oh, and if there is ANY chance you will rent in the future, don't do it. It is nearly impossible to find a rental that allows 3+ dogs. We own, but were playing with the idea of selling and renting for a couple months while we look for a new place, and it's just off the table unless I want to board them.

Good points! Thanks. We own but I guess I can’t say for certain we’d never have to rent. But, don’t plan on moving for a long time.

[Anonymous]

I mean, you're currently fostering, so you're getting a pretty first hand experience of exactly what it would be like.

Really the only difference is the extra cost would be on you vs. taken care of by the rescue. Otherwise, you're living it now.

[Anonymous]

insane

[Anonymous]

I just worry about vet bills. As my cats and dogs age, they get more and more expensive with vet visits and monthly prescription refills.

[Anonymous]

I had 3, and then we lost one in the fall to cancer. At the time we got #3, everyone thought we were nuts - hell, WE thought we were nuts - but we were in a similar situation where we met an amazing dog and couldn't get her off our minds. Fast forward, we are so glad we had her because she gave us such a source of joy during our other dog's illness and passing. That said, we are not in the market to find another third dog - it is a LOT more work than two (walks, especially, are unwieldy or take more time if you opt to do some separately) and the vet bills/boarding costs do add up. Having said this, I know what it's like to have that one perfect dog right in front of you that feels like it's meant to be part of your family, so I say go for it!

[Anonymous]

I have three dogs. All different sizes, breeds, and personalities. I love all of them so much however saying that, I will NEVER own three dogs at once again. It is chaos in my house and I can’t walk all three at once. It’s really a lot of work. I do not recommend it.